INTRODUCTION

Biodiesel, a renewable and ecologically friendly fuel, has attracted substantial

attention as an alternative to regular petroleum diesel [1]. It is manufactured by different
techniques, including enzymatic transesterification, which employs lipase enzymes as
catalysts [5]. Waste cooking oil is a viable feedstock for biodiesel production owing to its
economic and environmental benefits [3]. In this laboratory study, we seek to examine the
synthesis of biodiesel from waste cooking oil utilizing enzymatic transesterification and
assess the efficiency and yield of biodiesel production.

One key component of biodiesel analysis is the characterisation of its chemical

makeup. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is a commonly used analytical
method that permits the separation, identification, and quantification of individual
components in a sample [4]. In this investigation, GC/MS analysis will be performed to assess
the content and quality of the generated biodiesel.

To comprehend the working concept of the gas chromatography apparatus, let's dig
into its functioning in depth. Gas chromatography is based on the premise of separating and
analyzing the components of a mixture using a stationary phase and a mobile phase [2]. The
sample is introduced into the device, and it through a series of steps to accomplish separation
and detection.

The gas chromatography apparatus consists of many main components, including an

injection port, a column, a detector, and a data gathering system [2]. The first stage is sample
introduction, when a tiny quantity of the biodiesel sample is introduced into the injection port.
The sample is subsequently vaporized and transferred into the column by the carrier gas,
which is commonly an inert gas such as helium or nitrogen.

Figure 1: Working principle of gas chromatography device.

 The column is a vital component that helps the separation of the numerous chemicals
contained in the biodiesel sample [2]. It is packed with a stationary phase, which may be a
solid substance coated on a solid support or a liquid phase coated on a solid support. The
choice of column and stationary phase depends on the individual application and the
chemicals of interest.

As the carrier gas moves through the column, the various chemicals in the biodiesel
sample interact differently with the stationary phase [2]. This interaction leads to variances in
retention time, which is the time needed for a compound to pass through the column.
Compounds having stronger interactions with the stationary phase will have longer retention
lengths, whereas those with weaker interactions would have shorter retention times.

The detector in the gas chromatography apparatus plays a critical function in detecting
and measuring the separated chemicals [2]. There are numerous kinds of detectors used in gas
chromatography, such as flame ionization detectors (FID), thermal conductivity detectors
(TCD), and mass spectrometry detectors (MSD). Each detector has its benefits and
drawbacks, based on the particular needs of the study.

Once the chemicals are recognized by the detector, the data collection system captures
the signals and creates a chromatogram [2]. A chromatogram is a graphical depiction of the
identified substances as peaks, with the x-axis indicating time or retention time and the y-axis
representing the signal strength or concentration. The chromatogram gives essential
information on the composition of the biodiesel sample, enabling for the identification and
measurement of particular chemicals.

Figure 2 : Chromatogram.
 In summary, gas chromatography is a strong analytical method used to examine the
composition of biodiesel and other complicated mixtures [2]. By separating the chemicals and
providing a chromatogram, it allows the identification and quantification of individual
components. In this work, we will apply gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)
analysis to analyze the content and quality of the biodiesel created from waste cooking oil.

REFERANCES
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from waste cooking oil. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 81(Part 2),
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2. Marchetti, J. M., Miguel, V. U., Errazu, A. F., & Querini, C. A. (2007). Techno-
economic study of different alternatives for biodiesel production. Fuel Processing
Technology, 88(9), 813-820.
3. Oliveira, A. L. S., et al. (2020). Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil: An
efficient enzymatic approach. Energy Conversion and Management, 206, 112477.
4. Sharma, Y. C., Singh, B., & Korstad, J. (2014). Production of biodiesel from high free
fatty acid-containing feedstocks. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 41, 36-
56.
5. Mittelbach, M., & Remschmidt, C. (2004). Biodiesel production using lipase-
catalyzed transesterification. Journal of Biotechnology, 113(1-3), 57-68.